Contractible storage apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for storing multiple items or clothing comprises a base vertical support mounted to an existing door or location and a variable vertical support that contracts toward and extends away from the base vertical support. Telescoping units attach between the vertical supports and provide for storage of items. A cord extends the length of the respective telescoping units when such units are completely extended, whereby extending the telescoping units separates supports holding stored items. Attachment means attaching the cord to the storage supports holding stored items cause the storage supports attached to the cord to become spaced apart when the telescoping units are extended. The cord folds when the apparatus contracts and the storage supports move closer in relation to one another.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/338,229 filed on May 18, 2016.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the storage of items by hanging on horizontal support and, more particularly, to a contractible storage apparatus that is suitable for the compact storage of garments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background

There is a continuing need for additional storage in any household. Most families dedicate a significant portion of the home for closets and cabinets to store clothing, tools, supplies, and other household items. Modern homes have larger closets, but as consumers, people will continue to fill them. Meanwhile, older homes lack the closet and storage space that is needed by many families in today's culture where individuals wear a greater variety of clothing and hold onto clothing that is infrequently used.

To address this need for additional storage, industry provides a variety of hangers, racks, and add-ons for installation in closets. One area that is available in many homes for expansion is the inside of the door of a closet. Another area that is available can be the inside of other doorways or other wall areas. Yet another area of space that could be used for storage is the end of a bunk bed or cabinet. With these areas in mind, what is needed is a storage apparatus that would adapt to using these spaces. Also, a need exists for the storage apparatus to be contractible so that items stored can be compressed together to take up less space, which will increase storage capacity. And, yet another need exists for the storage apparatus to be extendable for items to be pulled apart and separated for easy viewing and removal of items stored.

Brief Discussion of the Prior Art

Regarding the existing art, U.S. Pat. No. 703,094 to Steiger teaches a garment hanger for wardrobes. The '094 garment hanger includes a fixed guide formed of upper and lower members mounted in juxtaposition. A moveable carrier also formed of upper and lower members has telescoping engagement with the fixed guide members. The '094 device includes a rack 21 for compacting the garments. However, the device does not include a means for separating the garments for during operation of the garment-carrying part of the device. As shown in FIG. 2 of the '094 patent, the garment remains compacted even when the garment carrying part is pulled out. Further, the garment carrying part has fixed length, as the fixed guide does not form a part of the garment carrier. The '094 garment hanger is especially designed for wardrobes including fixing the device within the wardrobe and making fixed tube of the guide fasten to the top of the compartment of the wardrobe by straps.

An extendable storage device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,022,237 to Hall et al., which teaches an extendable storage device with attached sliding supports. The supports include at least one hook comprising a base and a shank the hook disposed through a slot formed so that the base will rest on two ledges formed by the slot. The number and position of the hooks is adjustable. The '237 device includes a center piece for attachment in cabinets. This configuration is beneficial for storage of cookware in a cabinet. However, the device requires a large quantity of hooks for hanging, and the center piece limits installation to overhead compartments such as a cabinet.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,132,190 to Kohout teaches a garment hanger using a similar center piece support like that of the ‘237 patent, which limits installation options for the device. The garment hanger has several hooks spaced at fixed intervals on an extendable rack. However, the hooks cannot be moved or repositioned. This limits the extent to which the device can collapse.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a contractible storage apparatus that increases efficiency of storage space through the ability to both fully extend and to fully compress stored items from and within the storage space. There is also an unmet need for a storage apparatus that can be installed in a variety of existing spaces, such as closets, bunk bed, wall spaces, and utility room doors. Improved access to stored items needs to be provided without the need to numerous hooks that can be removed and lost, or hooks that reduce the collapsible capability of the storage apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, the overall objective of this invention is to provide a novel contractible storage apparatus that is contractible and extendable and attachable to a vertical surface such as the face of a door. In the embodiments, a telescoping unit with a flexible cord can be installed between vertical supports for supporting storage of items such as articles of clothing. One or more telescoping units and the cord can be shortened between the vertical surfaces. Thus, it is a first objective of the invention that the horizontal length and size of the apparatus can be adjusted to expand or contract. While contracted the apparatus may compress articles within the storage space, or while expanded the apparatus may display items more clearly by using the cord to separate the articles.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an improved and convenient method and apparatus for the storage of clothing so that the clothing is readily accessible.

It is a further objective of the present invention to allow for maximum utilization of storage space by providing an apparatus and method that compress items within a smaller space while those items have no need for retrieval and viewing.

It is a further objective of the present invention to support and store clothing, garments, home supplies, garden supplies, tools, and other items using the apparatus and method.

It is another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention that the apparatus can be mounted on the inside of an existing closet door to increase storage within a previously defined storage area.

It is another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention that the apparatus can improve the ease of viewing items in storage. The apparatus extends and separates the items stored using a cord that is attached in separate increments to each item in storage.

In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can be used with the existing styles of hangers, including those with a neck for attachment via the neck thereof to the cord via an intermediary attachment connector.

In the aspect for use with hangers, the apparatus of the invention can be used to hold garments by storage of the garments on pre-existing clothing hangers.

In an aspect for manufacture and distribution of the apparatus of the invention, the parts thereof may be separated for later assembly into a kit comprising vertical supports, telescoping units, support members or brackets for attachment to existing structures, cord, attachment connectors, and related parts that are easily packaged and shipped to a consumer.

The present apparatus comprises a base vertical support and variable vertical support. The base vertical support may comprise an existing vertical support surface such as a wall, door or bed surface, or may comprise a supplied vertical support. The variable vertical support assumes a variable horizontal position through moving the variable vertical support in relation to the base vertical support. If supplied as a separate structural member, the base vertical support mounts with appropriate hardware to a door or existing surface.

One or more telescoping units attach to the base vertical support. The telescoping units include at least one first support member in combination with at least one first extension member. The telescoping unit is horizontally positioned between the vertical supports for storage of items, such as clothing. The support members and extension members of the telescoping unit may comprise rods or bars that intermesh to form an extensible telescoping unit capable of both elongation and shortening of the horizontal length of the telescoping unit. A second telescoping unit may be positioned in parallel to the first telescoping unit lower than the first for either support of additional items for storage or for additional structural support. The specific vertical positioning of each telescoping unit between the vertical supports may be adjustable for the time of time being stored. For example, the length of clothing may impact the desirable position of the telescoping units. Additional telescoping units may be added either for additional storage or structural support.

Each telescoping unit that is provided for storage of items includes a cord of rope or string that extends the length of the respective telescoping unit. The cord of each telescoping unit attaches to storage supports such as clothing hangers via attachment means such as attachment connectors to support the cord between the vertical supports. Each cord is flexible to allow folding and includes attachment connectors formed of the cord itself or added to the cord for connection of the storage supports. The attachment connectors attaching the cord to the storage supports cause the storage supports to become spaced apart when the telescoping units are extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front right side perspective view of a contractible storage apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 2 is a front side perspective view of a contractible storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a contracted position.

FIG. 3 is a front right side perspective view of a portion of the contractible storage apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a contractible telescoping unit thereof.

FIG. 4A is a left side enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrating an attachment for a hanger including a cord in combination with a clamp.

FIG. 4B is a left side enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the attachment for a hanger including an attachment connector for the hanger in combination with a cord.

FIG. 5A is a left side enlarged perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the attachment for a hanger including a modification of the cord.

FIG. 5B is a left side enlarged perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the attachment for a hanger including modification of a hanger with an attachment connector in combination with the cord.

FIG. 6 is a front right side perspective view of a contractible storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 7A is a left side enlarged perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the attachment for a hanger including a modification of the attachment connector in the form of a cord lock.

FIG. 7B is a left side enlarged perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the attachment for a hanger including a modification of the attachment connector in the form of an alligator clip.

FIG. 8 is a front right side perspective view of a contractible storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention having a single telescoping unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is intended to provide the reader with a better understanding of the invention. The description is not intended to be limiting with respect to any element not otherwise limited within the claims.

The present invention discloses a contractible and expandable storage apparatus that can be installed in an existing home, workshop or business. As shown in FIG. 1, a location for installation of the storage apparatus includes an existing closet 2. In this regard, the apparatus may be attached to an existing door 4 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Once installed, the apparatus provides additional storage for garments or other stored items 6. Because the apparatus expands and contracts as shown in the figures, items are stored in less space, while the items still become available for viewing and removal when needed.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the contractible storage apparatus includes at least one telescoping member, first telescoping unit 10, that is horizontally oriented after installation of the apparatus. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment with two telescoping units. The first telescoping unit 10 comprises a first support member 12 and a first extension member 14 in combination with means discussed in detail below for attachment of stored items. An optional second telescoping unit 20, if selected in the preferred construction of the apparatus, is positioned below the first telescoping unit 10 and comprises a second support member 22 and a second extension member 24, either in combination with means for attachment of stored items 6 or without for providing support only. An additional and optional third telescoping unit 30 having a third support member 32 for structural integrity of the apparatus and a third extension member 34 may be provided. While each telescoping unit could be designed in alternative embodiments to include the means for attachment of stored items 6, the third telescoping unit 30 is provided in the embodiment shown herein as a structural support and to promote extension and contraction of the apparatus horizontally occur more smoothly. The apparatus further includes two vertical members including a base vertical support 40 and a variable vertical support 50 that moves inward and outward from the base vertical support 40 along a horizontal axis. In an embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 8 comprising the single first telescoping unit 10, the variable vertical support 50 may be any terminal end member attached to an opposing end 16 of the first telescoping unit 10 opposite from the base vertical support 40. FIG. 8 illustrates a terminal end member comprising a knob or handle 18. Each of the telescoping units 10, 20, 30 attaches between the vertical supports 40 and 50 when configured as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the combination of the telescoping units and the vertical supports form the framework of the contractible storage apparatus. The framework contracts by moving the variable vertical support 50 toward the base vertical support 40 via the shortening of the horizontal telescoping units 10, 20 and/or 30. In other words, the variable vertical support 50 moves from a first extended position a greater distance from the base vertical support 40 as shown in FIG. 1 to a second contractible position a that is closer to the base vertical support 40 as shown in FIG. 2. A cord 60 is attached to each vertical support 40 and 50 or the base vertical support 40 and the opposing end of the first telescoping unit 16 if only one telescoping unit is utilized in the apparatus as installed. When the framework is extended, the cord 60 is stretched lengthwise along the length of a telescoping units provided. As the framework contracts, the cord 60 is folded and retracted as shown in FIG. 2, such that the distance between the two ends of the cord 60 is always about the same as the distance between the opposing ends of the respective telescoping unit. The cord 60 assists in separating the stored items 6 when the framework extends as shown in FIG. 1.

The overall structure of the apparatus having been described, the figures further illustrate an exemplary embodiment. For example, FIG. 1 discloses a means for attachment of the apparatus to a doorway inside of a closet 2. The apparatus includes a solid bar bracket 70 that hangs over the top of the door 4 to support the apparatus. The size and thickness of doors vary, so the embodiment may be modified to provide an adjustable bar with a clamping mechanism, such as a tightening strap or adjustable parallel jaws, as in a vise, to mount the apparatus on a door. In the embodiment for door mounting, the base vertical support 40 is provided as a feature of the assembly. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will recognize after reviewing the disclosure that the bar bracket 70, whether solid or adjustable, may be attached directly to the first support member 12 of the first telescoping unit 10 via a first upper mounting member 74. Thus, the base vertical support 40 may be supplied by the door 4 itself, whereby the second telescoping unit may be attached to the door, i.e. the base vertical support 40, by a first lower mounting member 76 attached to the second support member 22 of the second telescoping unit 20. The apparatus does not require attachment to a door as the base vertical support 40. Rather, the base vertical support 40 may comprise any suitable vertical structure. For example, the base vertical support 40 may comprise a wall, a bunk bed, a utility cabinet door, or a commercial rack or shelving assembly. When the base vertical support 40 is supplied with an assembly kit for the apparatus, the supplied base vertical support 40 may comprise any preferred material such as wood, plastic, metal or composite.

The variable vertical support 50 is distally connected opposing the base vertical support 40 as discussed above via the telescoping units 10, 20 and/or 30. The opposing variable vertical support 50, also referred to herein also as a variable support, is supplied with the framework of the apparatus. This variable support may be constructed of wood, plastic, metal, composite, or any desired material. The variable support 50 is attached to the first extension member 14 of the first telescoping unit via a second upper mounting member 52, whereby the first telescoping unit 10 permits the variable support 50 to contract and extend in relation to the base vertical support 40, also referred to generally as the base vertical or base support. The variable support 50 may be attached to the second extension member 24 of the second telescoping unit 20, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, by a second lower mounting member 56. As discussed, the variable support 50 provides for changing the horizontal position of the variable support for collapsing and extending the framework of the apparatus via the telescoping units. A handle 54 may be attached to the variable support 50 to assist the user in adjusting the position of the variable support while pushing and pulling the variable support during use. Further, the variable support 50 may include a wheel 58 attached to the bottom of the variable support that is arranged for rolling engagement with a floor 80. The combination of handle 54 and wheel 58 can be used to improve movement of the variable support 50 inward and outward from the base vertical support 40. The first upper and lower mounting members 74, 76 and second upper and lower mounting members 52, 56, as described, attach to the opposing vertical supports 40, 50 and support the telescoping units between the vertical supports via the mounting members. A first end of each telescoping unit attaches to respective first mounting member 74, 76 to affix the first end of the telescoping unit to the base vertical support 40. The base vertical support may comprise an existing vertical surface such a door, wall or post. A second end of each telescoping unit provides a respective opposing end of each respective telescoping unit that attaches to the respective second mounting member 52, 56 to affix the second end of the telescoping unit to the variable vertical support 50. The variable vertical support 50 may comprise an elongate rod connecting more than one telescoping unit or a single handle or knob on a single telescoping unit.

The handle 54 or wheel 58 may be unnecessary when high quality components and construction are used in fabrication of the vertical supports 40, 50 and the telescoping units 10, 20, or 30. For example, in FIG. 6, the variable vertical support 50 is supported by the telescoping units 10 and 20 attaching the variable support 50 to the base vertical support 40 without the need for a wheel 58. Wherein, the variable support 50 can hang from the first extension member 14 and second extension member 24 of the respective telescoping units 10, 20 and slide freely inward and outward from the base vertical support 40 via the supporting first support member 12 and second support member 22 of the respect first and second telescoping units.

Each telescoping unit 10, 20, or 30, both upper and lower if included, comprises intermeshing rods or bars that form the support members 12, 22, or 32 and the extension members 14, 24, or 34 that can slide to adjust the extension of the rods with respect to one another to move in a telescopic manner from a contracted state to an extended state. Each telescoping support 10, 20, or 30 unit can be positioned on the vertical supports 40, 50 in the optimal position. For example, the first telescoping unit 10 may be positioned near the top of the vertical supports 40, 50 to maximize hanging height for clothing, or in alternative embodiments, the first telescoping unit 10 may be position at a height that is user friendly and optimized for the height of reach of a person using the apparatus. The position of the lower second telescoping unit 20 or third telescoping unit 30 may also vary depending upon the length of the clothing or stored items 6 to be hung and the optimal position desired. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the height of the telescoping units 10 and 20 is optimized to permit hanging of two rows of stored items 6 such as long shirts, blouses, and pants, but the arrangement shown is too close together to hang a long dress or the like. However, the lower second or third telescoping unit 20, 30 may be moved lower between the vertical supports, such as shown by the additional third telescoping unit in FIG. 1 located at the bottom of the vertical supports 40, 50 to permit more space between the upper and lower telescoping units. The middle telescoping unit in FIG. 1, comprising the second telescoping unit 20, may be removed, leaving only the upper and lower units 10, 30. Or, both the second telescoping unit 20 and the third telescoping unit 30 may be removed leaving only the upper first telescoping unit 10. The vertical supports 40, 50 may be designed with multiple mounting positions for the mounting members 52, 56, 74, 76 that support the telescoping units. Thereby, the height of the telescoping units 10, 20 or 30 may be variable, and when attention to the mounting mechanism is used, the height of the telescoping units may be both variable and adjustable. In addition, the third telescoping unit 30 on the bottom that is shown in FIG. 1 may be modified to provide useful function even when mounted and positioned close to the floor 80 as shown in the figure. For instance, several collapsible fabric boxes could be configured with a sleeve receiving the telescoping rods of the third telescoping unit 30 so that shoes could be stored in the collapsible boxes.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second telescoping units 10, 20 shown in the upper and middle positions on the vertical supports 40, 50 are configured for holding garments, as the stored items 6. The storage supports comprising hangers 82 in the figures illustrate how garments may hang on the telescoping units. The cord 60 in the figures, that is enlarged for clarity in FIGS. 3-5B, illustrate a means for manipulating the position of the garments when the apparatus is extended. The apparatus shown in the figures may hold as many as 20 garments on the first telescoping unit 10 and an additional 20 garments or more on the second telescoping unit 20, substantially expanding the available closet storage for clothing. The cord 60 of rope, string or the like as shown in FIG. 3, attaches to a hanger 82 for each garment to help separate the garments for viewing and removal when the telescoping units are extended. A first cord end 62 on a first end of the cord 60 attaches to the first upper mounting member 74 on the base vertical support 40 or directly to the base vertical support. A second cord end 64 of a second end of the cord 60 attaches to the second upper mounting member 52 on the variable vertical support 50. The cord 60 may be permanently attached or attached for convenient removal from each mounting member. As shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the cord 60 may be attached to an attachment member 66, such as an eyelet, on each mounting member 74, 52 via an attachment device 68 attached to the cord, such as an open hook, or alternatively a closed hook, self-closing latch hook, carabiner, or like hook device. A variety of attachment means would be appropriate depending on the quality and cost of manufacture. Others attachments include screws, hanging brackets, slotted receptacles and flanged slides, and magnetic devices. Regardless, the cord 60 attaches on opposing ends of the telescoping units 10, 20, or 30 or the opposing mounting members 74 to 52 or 76 to 56 for extension thereof as the variable vertical support 50 is moved away from the base vertical support 40.

The cord 60 is flexible to allow compression of stored items 6 next to one another as the variable vertical support 50 is moved toward the base vertical support 40 during contraction. As the cord 60 extends away from the base vertical support 40 by moving the variable support outward, the cord 60 includes means for moving items separately so that the extension of the telescoping units relative to one another will also separate the garments or items held. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the cord 60 includes attachment connectors 84 for connecting storage supports. Further, in the embodiment shown, the attachment connectors are formed from the cord 60 itself to connect to the storage supports in the form of hangers or other containers or support devices. The supports, such as hangers 82, may provide a storage support that includes a neck 86 that is integral with the supports for attachment to the cord 60 via the attachment connectors 84. The attachment connectors 84, when formed from the cord 60, may take one of the forms shown in FIGS. 4A or 5A, in which the cord is bound with a clamp 88 as shown in FIG. 4A or tied as shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, the attachment connector 84 may work in combination with the cord 60 as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B in which the cord is attached to a clip 90 for attachment to the hanger neck 86, or the cord 60 is attached to a pre-existing adapter 92 on the hanger neck as shown in FIG. 5B.

Other options for attachment of the cord to the supports are shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7A the attachment connector 84 includes a portion thereof in the form of a plastic toggle spring stop with single hole string cord lock 94. The spring stop is modified with a c-clip 96, clamp or bracket to attach to the neck 86 of a support device such as a hanger 82. The spring-loaded barrel cord lock 94 is commonly used in closing bags, hoods, hats to secure a cord without tying. The cord 60 is held by the cord lock 94 to position the supports as shown in the figures.

In FIG. 7B the attachment connector 84 includes a portion thereof in the form of a sprung metal clip 98 with long jaws. The jaws are spring loaded for clamping and attach to the neck 86 of the hangers 82. The sprung metal clip 98 is modified for the embodiment to include cord locks 100 integrally formed within the clip or attached to the clip, whereby the cord 60 is held by the cord locks 100 to position the supports as shown in the figures.

The supports, such as hangers 82, are spaced apart when the attachment connectors 84 are extended via extension of the cord 60. The spaced separation of the supports improves viewing of the stored items 6 being held in storage by the apparatus. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the supports are spaced about 1-2 inches apart when the cord 60 is extended. The actual spacing can be determined in advance through construction of the attachment connectors 84 to predetermined specifications, or the spacing may be made adjustable and customizable by allowing the end user to install and determine the spacing and location of the attachment connectors 84 about the cord.

For distribution and cost control, the contractible storage apparatus can be packaged as separate parts. The boards comprising the vertical supports 40, 50 may be separated from the telescoping units 10, 20, 30. Whereby, the supports, telescoping units, cord, mounting members, and other parts may be packaged as separate components. An advantage of the embodiment shown is that these components are cost effective to produce and easy for the end user to assemble and install.

While specific embodiments are described in the present disclosure, those who are skilled in the art may make various other changes and modifications without departing from the true spirit and scope of present invention. We intend to cover all such changes in our claims listed below which are within the scope of current disclosure.

Specific dimensions relevant to the invention are provided herein for demonstrating the invention, but these dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is understood that one skilled in the art may make alterations to the embodiments shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A contractible storage apparatus comprising: a. a base vertical support; b. a variable vertical support; c. a telescoping unit having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the telescoping unit is attached to the base vertical support and the second end of the telescoping unit is attached to the variable vertical support; d. storage supports supported by the telescoping unit; and e. a cord having a first cord end and a second cord end; and f. said cord being attached to the storage supports and said first cord end is attached to the base vertical support or the first end of the telescoping unit and said second cord end is attached to the variable vertical support or the second end of the telescoping unit. 